The value of seasonally adjusted total retail sales rose 0.8 per cent - $133m - in the September quarter, Statistics NZ says.

The impact of a higher GST rate has been felt in the supermarket, said Statistics NZ, with food prices rising 2.2 per cent in October.

The residential building sector remained soft in September, with another fall in building consents.

The Government is claiming credit for low price rises, saying people have more money in their pockets on the back on low inflation and increasing wages.

We might be surrounded by sea but Kiwis continue to pay top dollar for one of our most bountiful resources - fish.

The median weekly income edged lower in the year to June, as more people started receiving money from the Government rose while the self-employed earned less and investment income fell.

Vision becomes reality as more people turn to the internet for phone calls.

A leading fertility expert is urging couples to start a family at a younger age amid fears of a growing over-reliance on technology.

As the Kiwi dollar tumbles on the weak GDP, Finance Minister Bill English says next week's tax package will help the economy.